Development of the Windows-Based CARL Cataloging Workstation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Libraries

Abstract

The contract between the University of Hawaii and CARL Systems, Inc. to acquire an Online Integrated Library Automation System for the University of Hawaii System was signed in late March 1990. The balance of that year was spent installing the mainframe computer equipment, loading and indexing the library's bibliographic database, and testing the converted data with the CARL software. The Public Access Catalog and Circulation modules began live operations in January 1991. Work did not begin on the cataloging specifications included in the contract until the basic system and the Serials and Acquisition modules were operational. During the pre-contract negotiations between the University of Hawaii Libraries (UHM) and CARL Systems, Inc. (CARL), it became apparent that the existing dumb-terminal-based Bibliographic Maintenance module would not be adequate to serve the sophisticated cataloging needs of the University academic research library with extensive collections of materials in foreign languages and non-roman character sets. The University of Hawaii Library and CARL Systems, Inc. agneed to cooperatively develop a new cataloging module which would satisfy the contract requirements specified by UHM. This development work was to take place long distance, using electronic mail as a primary means of communicating between the collaborators.